In a shocking event that unfolded on Monday evening in Midtown Manhattan, a New York City police officer along with three others was gunned down within an office building by an assailant wielding a powerful rifle, as reported by police.
The shooter has been identified as 27-year-old Shane D. Tamura from Las Vegas, who reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch revealed that surveillance footage captured Tamura exiting a black BMW parked illegally on Park Avenue between 51st and 52nd streets a few minutes before 6:30 PM, with an M4 rifle in hand. He proceeded into the 44-story building located at 345 Park Ave. and swiftly targeted an NYPD officer.
Shortly thereafter, numerous 911 calls reported an active shooter situation within the premises, Commissioner Tisch stated.
NYPD Officer Didarul Islam Killed in the Incident
Didarul Islam, aged 36, served at the 47th Precinct in the Bronx and was a dedicated member of the NYPD for four years. On this fateful evening, he was on extra duty as part of an NYPD program wherein officers provide security for private establishments, as noted by CBS News New York’s Naveen Dhaliwal.
Islam is survived by his expectant wife and two young sons, as disclosed by New York City Mayor Eric Adams during the press conference. The mayor praised his commitment to protecting others, stating, “He was doing what he does best… He was a true-blue New Yorker, embodying what this city is all about.”
The incident also resulted in the deaths of two men and a woman, with another individual in critical condition, according to Mayor Adams. He condemned the shooting as “a violent, despicable attack” that left an irreplaceable void in the community.
This building houses several notable offices, including Blackstone, the NFL, and KPMG.
A grievously injured NFL employee is currently hospitalized but is reported to be in stable condition; it’s unclear whether this individual matches the one previously mentioned by Adams as being in critical state.
Earlier on the same evening, the mayor met with Islam’s family and expressed his admiration for the sacrifices the officer made while serving the community.
“It is unimaginable to lose a child. My heart goes out to them,” said the mayor, reflecting his deep empathy.
The identities of the deceased and the injured are being intentionally withheld as authorities notify their families.
Gov. Kathy Hochul voiced her condolences on social media, highlighting the loss of four New Yorkers, including one of the brave officers, due to a ruthless act of violence.
Initial Findings from the Investigation
According to officials, after firing at the police officer, the gunman targeted a woman seeking refuge and then continued shooting indiscriminately in the lobby. The shooter later struck a security guard who was hiding behind his desk and inflicted injury upon another man still hospitalized.
Tisch explained that there was a moment when the gunman allowed a woman to pass unharmed as he awaited an elevator. He then took it to the 33rd floor, where he began firing yet again. One victim was tragically killed in the course of those acts.
Eventually, he shot himself in the chest.
Understanding Gunman Shane Tamura
The police Commissioner noted that Tamura arrived in New York driving a vehicle registered in his name. Inside, officers located additional ammunition, a loaded revolver, and even medication prescribed to the shooter. No explosives were found in the vehicle.
It appears that Tamura traveled cross-country to reach New York City, making stops through states like Colorado on Saturday and continuing through Nebraska and Iowa, ultimately arriving in New Jersey just before the incident.
According to authorities, Tamura had a documented history of mental health issues. His motivation for targeting the building at 345 Park Ave. is still under investigation.
The police enforced a lockdown of the building and secured the vicinity following the shooting.
The NYPD urged the public to steer clear of East 52nd Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue. VPND technicians were conducting a secondary sweep of the building to ensure safety.
“We firmly believe this was a lone shooter incident, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety,” added Commissioner Tisch.
Community in Mourning
Patrick Hendry, the president of the Police Benevolent Association, reflected on the serious incident and expressed sorrow regarding Officer Islam’s sacrifice.
“Tonight has brought devastation to our city and the police force. This act of evil has affected innocent lives, including our hero officer who sought to protect them. Losing four lives in one night is beyond tragic,” Hendry stated.
Hendry asserted that the loss of Officer Islam serves as a resilient anchor for the department as they strive for justice in the investigation.
“Every police officer’s heart is aching tonight. We are all looking for answers: Why and how this evil targeted us? We will work hard to find those answers alongside our law enforcement partners.”
